In 5 days, the broken-hearted of us may be filled with dread. A "hallmark holiday", is around the corner. I think as a society we have elected to call it this to protect our single selves.
When I asked Google "Why was Valentine's Day created ", I got a book.
"Valentine's Day was created to honor a martyr named Valentine and to Christianize the Roman festival of Lupercalia. "
Origins
Lupercalia
A Roman festival that celebrated fertility and marked the start of spring. The festival included rituals like boys drawing names from a box to determine their "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" for the festival.
St. Valentine
A martyr who was beheaded on February 14 for refusing to renounce his faith. The Catholic Church honored his martyrdom by establishing St. Valentine's Day.
Evolution
Christianization
The Catholic Church may have moved St. Valentine's Day to February 14 to "Christianize" Lupercalia.
Popularization
Writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare popularized the romantic associations of Valentine's Day.
Commercialization
Valentine's Day has become a significant commercial celebration of love and romance.
Today
Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14.
People celebrate by sending cards, showing affection, and attending parties.
Cupid is often depicted on Valentine's Day cards.
I think elementary schools have it right. Everyone gets a Valentine. We should celebrate those we love whether friend, family or foe. This is a hard season for me. I got engaged the day after Valentine's Day 24 years ago. I am moving towards a hard weekend of facing 3 people I loved for more than 20 years in a situation that it should be us, that is them against me.
So REFRAME! We are there because of the love we shared and produced my sons. They will be there for the love they bless my son with. They are a new family, learning to love each other. (Though I love the fact that I hear my ex-MIL isn't a fan of her new DIL.) 🤣🤣🤣
For real though, I love:
The woman that I have become and am growing in to.
The people who surround and love me.
Watching my sons grow.
That I am strong and brave enough to face difficult seasons.
That I can be alone and be fine.
As you face your first, tenth, or more Valentine's Day after having your heart broken, stop and think about all the people who love you. All the people you love. And all the people you hate to love.
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